Two foreclosed land parcels in Amherst bought by Greenfield bank

Two parcels of land on South East Street that were the subject of a foreclosure auction have been bought back by the bank.

At the auction earlier this month, administered by Aaron Posnik & Co. Inc., Greenfield Savings Bank purchased the 7.5 acres at 650 and 652 South East St., most recently owned by Scott Nielsen.

Nielsen’s company, Levi-Nielsen Co., obtained a special permit from the Zoning Board of Appeals in 2008 to develop a project known as Strawberry Field. That development was to have featured 17 condominiums, including five single-family homes and six duplexes.

It is unclear what this means for the future of the property, though Carol Gray, a member of the South Amherst Conservation Association, said her organization remains committed to working to preserve the land for conservation.

Gray said the land borders the Norwottuck Rail Trail, would help complete a greenway, is listed as priority habitat with the Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Program, and borders a certified vernal pool.

“Plus, it contains scenic mountain views that are some of the best in Amherst,” Gray said.

The minimum bid was $500,000, but the parcels combined are assessed at $277,300. More than $10,000 is owed in back taxes, according to town records.